Loretto, PA, - The Pioneers were handed their first EIVA loss of the season as they fell 3-1 to the Red Flash of Saint Francis U. The Pioneers were led by Chris DeLucie who tallied 17 kills, and ended the night with 18.5 points for SHU. The Pioneers take on #14 Penn State tomorrow night.

SET 1- The Pioneers were the first to get on the board in the opening set, where Taylor Bloomquist picked up the early kill. The Red Flash would go on a three point run from there, taking a 4-2 advantage. The Pioneers would hold a 21-19 lead after a kill from Doug Dzema, but Saint Francis U would go on a run to tie it up 24-24. The Red Flash would pick up the final two points of the set, to take it 26-24.

SET 2- The second set of the night was similar fashion, as each team exchanged points back and forth. The Red Flash would capitalize on a couple Pioneer errors to jump to a 14-6 advantage. After a Michael Comes kill, the Pioneers were able to get within striking distance as the match stood 19-15 in favor of SFU. The Red Flash would finish strong yet again and take the set 25-20.

SET 3- The Pioneers ment business in the third set of the night, as they jumped to a 10-7 lead after a kill form DeLucie. DeLucie would continue to add kills in the third set, as he moved the score to 20-12, the biggest Pioneer lead of the night. SHU would go on to take the third set 25-15.

SET 4-  As the final set of the night came, the Pioneers found themselves in a dog fight, tied up 9-9. Saint Francis would rattle off a couple of points to jump to a 19-13 lead. The Pioneers did their best to make the deficit but would fall short, 25-22.

Notable Performances-

Chris DeLucie- 17 kills, .467 kill %

Taylor Bloomquist- 10 kills, .500 kill %, 2 solo blocks, 5 block assists

Eduardo Zardo- 32 assists

Joshua Ayzenberg- 18 digs